BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Lou Denys has been named Match Director of the prestigious 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship according to an announcement made today by officials with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and Smith & Wesson.

Now in its 16th consecutive year, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship has grown to become one of the premier events in all the shooting sports, making the position of match director one of the most important in competitive pistol shooting.

“I’m honored that IDPA and Smith & Wesson have asked me to oversee what is arguably IDPA’s crown jewel event. This match has a rich and well-deserved reputation for excellence and I am looking forward to working with a great team of safety officers and staff to insure the 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship is the best yet,” said Lou Denys.

The Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship serves as the official start of the IDPA season. The 2013 match will take place February 21-23 and is expected to draw over 300 of the best IDPA shooters to Springfield, Massachusetts to compete on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center.

“Each year the Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals has set the tone for the IDPA competition season with unique, creative and challenging stages that are the hallmark of the Smith & Wesson match. Like all IDPA members I am excited to see what Lou has in store for us this year and know it will be a course of fire that’s second to none,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

Fore more information on IDPA, or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also follow @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check out the Down Zero Blog to keep up with the latest news.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Celebrating its 16th year of defensive pistol shooting excellence, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and legendary American firearms maker Smith & Wesson today announced the dates of the 2013 Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship.

Regarded as one of the finest competitive shooting matches in the country, regardless of discipline, the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship represents the start of the 2013 IDPA season. The 2013 match will take place February 21-23 and is expected to draw over 300 of the best IDPA shooters to Springfield, Massachusetts to compete on the indoor ranges of the Smith & Wesson Shooting Sports Center.

“From the very beginning Smith & Wesson has been one of IDPA’s most generous sponsors and dedicated partners. And over the last 15 years the Indoor National Championship hosted by Smith & Wesson has grown to become not only our sport’s most popular match but also the flagship event that symbolizes the kickoff of the competitive season,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

“We are proud and excited to once again play host to the Smith & Wesson IDPA Indoor National Championship, now in its 16th consecutive year,” said Paul Pluff of Smith & Wesson. “Every winter we look forward to this match and plan year-round to insure that this is not only the premier shooting sports event in the nation, but also a unique and challenging match that will attract shooters from all around the world.”

Fore more information on IDPA, or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also follow @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check out the Down Zero Blog to keep up with the latest news.

About Smith & Wesson: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Harris Publications, a leading publisher of special interest publications and owner of such titles as Combat Handguns and the popular website Tactical-Life.com, will be a gold level sponsor of the upcoming International Defensive Pistol Association’s 2012 National Championships taking place this week in Oxford, N.C., according to an announcement made today by IDPA officials.

“IDPA has had a very close working relationship with Harris Publications which has always been a strong supporter of the shooting sports and IDPA in particular,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director of IDPA.

“Through the various firearms titles offered by the Harris Tactical Group, IDPA members have followed every new product announcement and firearm innovation from an insider’s perspective that only the editors at Harris Publications provide. We greatly appreciate their continued support, especially since their publications are favorites among IDPA members.”

As part of Harris Publications’ sponsorship, Combat Handguns and Tactical Knives will each sponsor one of the 16 stages in the course of fire at this year’s National Championships.

The 2012 IDPA National Championships are being held September 19-22 at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 350 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

Fore more information, or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also follow the IDPA National Championships online by following @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, using hashtag #IDPANats, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check for regular updates on the Down Zero Blog.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that Remington Arms Company, one of America’s oldest and most respected firearms makers, will be a major sponsor of the 2012 IDPA National Championships.

“The name Remington needs no introduction, especially to IDPA members who are more than familiar with this iconic American brand. Dating back to its founding in 1816, Remington’s commitment to the shooting sports is measured not in years or decades, but centuries, and we are proud to count them among the major sponsors of this year’s IDPA National Championships," said Robert Ray, membership and marketing director for IDPA.

As part of their support, Remington will sponsor two of the 16 stages in the course of fire at this year’s National Championships. Additionally, Remington will be represented in the competition by Carlos Martinez.

The 2012 IDPA National Championships will take place September 19-22 at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

Fore more information, or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also follow @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check out the Down Zero Blog to keep up with the latest news.

About Remington Arms Company, LLC: Remington Arms Company, LLC, ("Remington") headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as solutions to the military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation's oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at www.remington.com.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association and Cheaper Than Dirt!, America’s ultimate shooting sports discounter, announced today that the popular internet retailer will once again be a major sponsor of the IDPA National Championships.

The 2012 IDPA National Championships will take place September 19-22 at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome back Cheaper Than Dirt! as one of the major sponsors of the IDPA National Championships and deeply appreciate their generous support of this and other IDPA competitions,” said Robert Ray, membership and marketing director for IDPA.

Cheaper Than Dirt! joins a growing list of shooting sports industry leaders, including ACADEMI, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, CrossBreed Holsters, CZ-USA, GLOCK, GlockTriggers.com, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson, Wilson Combat and Woolrich Elite Series, as a gold level sponsor of the match. In addition to sponsoring two of the 16 stages in this year’s National Championships course of fire, Cheaper Than Dirt! will be represented in the competition by shooting team member Jerry Miculek.

“Cheaper Than Dirt! is proud to support the IDPA and our customers that participate in this great shooting sport,” said Roberta Wilson, chief operating officer at Cheaper Than Dirt! “Along with the IDPA, we serve the new and experienced shooter, promote competition, and value the right of self defense and the Second Amendment.”

About Cheaper Than Dirt! Cheaper Than Dirt! prides itself on being America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter since 1993. Cheaper Than Dirt boasts over 100,000 items available for purchase through their website and catalog. For most items, Cheaper Than Dirt offers a generous 90 day return policy. For more information, or to place an order, visit www.CheaperThanDirt.com or call 1-800-421-8047.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association today announced that GLOCK, the nation’s leading pistol provider to American law enforcement agencies and maker of some of the most popular pistols used in the shooting sports, will be a major sponsor of the 2012 IDPA National Championships.

“GLOCK is one of the most popular brands of pistol used in IDPA competition, accounting for a third of all the pistols used by competitors during last year’s inaugural IDPA World Shoot. Thanks to their continued strong support of the shooting sports, and the 2012 IDPA National Championships in particular, you’ll likely see a GLOCK in the hands of a majority of shooters again this year,” said Robert Ray, membership and marketing director for IDPA.

GLOCK joins ACADEMI, Comp-Tac Victory Gear, CrossBreed Holsters, CZ-USA, GlockTriggers.com, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson, Wilson Combat and Woolrich Elite Series as a gold level sponsor of the match. In addition to sponsoring the match, GLOCK will be presented in the competition by Team GLOCK shooter Tori Nonaka.

“GLOCK is excited to return and support the fine efforts IDPA plays in the development of safe, competitive competitions for all handgun owners. Refinement of tactics and the execution of specific real life experiences during the competitions fills a specific void in competitive shooting. IDPA is as real as it can get and we are proud to come aboard and support this National match for 2012,” said Ed Fitzgerald of GLOCK.

The IDPA National Championships will take place September 19-22 at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

For more information, or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also follow @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, like ShootIDPA on Facebook, watch IDPA TV, or check out the Down Zero Blog to keep up with the latest news.

About GLOCK, Inc.:GLOCK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK’s superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with 65% of agencies nationwide choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the company has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit www.teamglock.com.

About International Defensive Pistol Association:Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA’s 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – Comp-Tac Victory Gear, a leading manufacturer of holsters for competition and concealed carry, has signed on as a major sponsor of the International Defensive Pistol Association’s 2012 National Championships taking place September 19-22 in Oxford, N.C., according to an announcement made today by IDPA officials.

“We are grateful to Comp-Tac for their continued sponsorship of our National Championships,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director of IDPA. “As one of IDPA's strongest sponsors, Comp-Tac has generously supported many of our major matches and become one of the most popular brands with IDPA members who turn to Comp-Tac for both their competition and carry gear needs.”

Comp-Tac joins ACADEMI, CrossBreed Holsters, CZ-USA, GlockTriggers.com, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson, and Woolrich Elite Series as a gold level sponsor of the match. As part of their support, Comp-Tac will sponsor two of the 16 stages in the match. They will also be represented in competition by Team Comp-Tac members Randi Rogers, Gordon Carrell, and Gregg Garrett.

“The IDPA Nationals is one of Comp-Tac’s favorite matches of the year and we're proud to once again be a major sponsor. We enjoy not only the competition itself, but also the opportunity it provides to interact with some of our most devoted customers who have made Comp-Tac one of IDPA's top brands,” said Gregg Garrett, owner and president Comp-Tac Victory Gear.

The IDPA National Championships will take place at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

About Comp-Tac: Comp-Tac Victory Gear, a leading manufacturer of holsters for the personal defense and competition market, was founded in 2001 with the intention of designing holsters of the highest quality. Currently, Comp-Tac offers more than 30 products with 92,000 possible variations to accommodate each individual’s lifestyle and needs. Thanks to the great support of their customers Comp-Tac continues to grow and refine their product line. For more information, visit www.Comp-Tac.com, like Comp-Tac on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CompTac, follow @CompTac on Twitter, or visit the Comp-Tac Blog.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that GlockTriggers.com, the premier manufacturer of custom trigger systems for Glock pistols, is once again supporting IDPA's top event and will be one of the major sponsors of the 2012 IDPA National Championships.

“We're proud to welcome back GlockTriggers.com as one of this year's major sponsors of the IDPA National Championships,” said Robert Ray, membership and marketing director for IDPA. “With so many members competing in IDPA events with a Glock pistol, news of GlockTriggers.com's strong support for the match will be very well received.”

GlockTriggers.com, which will be represented in the competition by defending national champion Bob Vogel, the sport's most dominant shooter, joins ACADEMI, CrossBreed Holsters, CZ-USA, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Smith & Wesson, and Woolrich Elite Series as a gold level sponsor of the match.

“GlockTriggers.com is excited, and proud, to play such an important role in supporting IDPA's National Championships. IDPA is growing by leaps and bounds and we're seeing more and more members turning to GlockTriggers.com to get the most performance out of their competition Glocks,” said Jeff Wilson, president and CEO of GlockTriggers.com.

The IDPA National Championships will take place September 19-22 at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

BERRYVILLE, Ark. – The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) announced that Smith & Wesson, one of the most respected, and best known names in firearms and shooting sports, will once again be a major sponsor of the 2012 IDPA National Championships.

Smith & Wesson joins ACADEMI, CrossBreed Holsters, CZ-USA, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Woolrich Elite Series as a gold level sponsor of the match. As part of their sponsorship Smith & Wesson will host the event's marquee social gathering, the IDPA National Championships Awards Banquet. The company will also be represented in competition by Team Smith & Wesson shooters Jerry Miculek, the defending Enhanced Service Revolver division champion, and David Olhasso.

“Smith & Wesson has been involved as a partner, and a sponsor to many of our major matches, since the earliest days of IDPA. Thanks to their very generous support and unwavering commitment to the shooting sports, IDPA is today the fastest growing of the competitive shooting disciplines, which is why we are so pleased to welcome them back as a major sponsor of our National Championships,” said Joyce Wilson, executive director for IDPA.

“Smith & Wesson is once again honored to be a gold level sponsor of the 2012 IDPA National Championships and host of the event’s marquee social gathering. The IDPA National Championships set the bar for all other competitive shooting events and we are committed and excited to be a partner in the growth of one of the most exciting shooting disciplines available today,” said Paul Pluff of Smith & Wesson.

The IDPA National Championships will take place September 19-22 at The Range in Oxford, N.C. As the pinnacle event of the IDPA competitive season, the match will draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

About Smith & Wesson: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is the international governing body for IDPA competition which offers shooters a fun, safe, and challenging format to practice and test their gun handling skills through defensive-based scenarios. Today IDPA stands as the fastest growing shooting sport in the United States with over 20,000 members from all 50 states and 54 foreign countries. IDPA's 321 affiliated clubs offer weekly and monthly matches as well as host major championships.

Ken Lambert is heading to the Carolina Cup for the first time. DOWN ZERO asked Ken how he's preparing to compete in one of, if not the most challenging of IDPA's major championships.

DZ: When did you start shooting competitively?KL: I got invited to an IDPA match for the first time in June of 2010 by a good friend, Dave Mowbray (up at Pemi), and I have been hooked on the shooting sports ever since. My first sanctioned match was the 2011 Smith & Wesson Indoor Nationals, which I was able to attend after being wait listed.

DZ: When did you join and start shooting IDPA?KL: I joined IDPA in the summer of 2010.

DZ: How many times have you shot the Carolina Cup?KL: This will be my first time shooting there.

DZ: What division are you shooting this year?KL: Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) /Expert.

DZ: What part of your shooting are you focusing on the most leading up to The Cup?KL: Due to lack of time to get to a local range (closest range is Pioneer which is 45 minutes away) I will be practicing dry fire exercises every night leading up to the event. I attend local matches in the area for my live fire practice. When I do get to a range I use Mike Seeklander’s book to assist in my training. It will allow me to be very specific in what skills I want to practice without wasting time and money. Keeping a log, such as logs on Rangelog.com, of the type of ammo and the times I do for that practice allows me to track if I’m getting better or worse, which allows me to focus more specifically on my weaker skills with my limited time.

DZ: Are there any specific drills you are incorporating into your practice sessions?KL: For dry fire practice I normally do stationary draws and reload types of exercises but vary in days of practice. Things I know I'm weak in, IDPA reloads and shooting from cover on my weak side, I mix them in throughout the week.

For live fire practice it's mainly moving into positions, keeping the gun oriented on the target before you see it, and planting your feet in such a way that you don't get called for cover. I feel that will allow me catch up on time during bigger stages if I can pull it off right.

DZ: What gear will you shoot in The Cup?KL: Using a borrowed SW1911, Comp-Tac holster, handloads for ammo and a vest I picked up at an Army/Navy store. The back story with the borrowed gun is that I was able to get Master in SSP and ESP via match bumps. My goal in April was to see if I can get to CDP Master by the end of June, and Carl Manoogian has graciously lent me his gun to see if I can pull it off. I have the Massachusetts State Championship and the Carolina Cup for matches in June, and a classifier at the end of the month as a fall back to meet my goal.

For hearing protection I just use foam ear protection from the local hardware store. I can get 50-100 in each package. My wife ends up using them too when I snore. Lately I have been using EP3 or EP4 Sonic Defenders from Surefire, but usually it becomes uncomfortable in my right ear during the last half of a match so I replace it with a foam one.

My flashlight is a Fenix TK12. A bit bigger than most but I've gotten use to it.

DZ: Do you have any sponsors?KL: I’m currently a member of Team RangeLog. I am participating in the contingency program that TDS is putting on mainly as a local competition between some friends.

DZ: What do you like most about shooting The Cup?KL: Traveling and participating in events with so many like minded people from different areas of the country and world. I have met some great people that I now consider good friends after first meeting them during a match.

DZ: What do you think will be the hardest part about shooting The Cup?KL: Not making a mental error that would cause me to inadvertently give up points on a stage. Simple mental errors have, in the past, cost me the difference between a 1st place win and a 7th place showing.

DZ: Where do you think you will finish this year?KL: My goal is 1st CDP Expert.

DZ: If you could beat any shooter at this year's Carolina Cup who would it be?KL: Whoever was going to get 1st CDP/EX. There are so many phenomenal shooters in this sport now, I would just be happy to share the stage with them.

DZ: Is there anything else you want to mention about your preparation for The Cup?KL: It is something I’m looking forward to since getting notified that I got in. As long as I have a good time, it will be all worth it for me.

DOWN ZERO wants to thank Team RangeLog's Ken Lambert. Next, we talk to the defending High Lady to find out how Team Comp-Tac's Randi Rogers is preparing for The Cup.